Faculty/staff Issue for February 14, 2025
Today
VCU Mass Communications Graduate Program Informational Session
11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
VCU's Richard T. Robertson School of Media and Culture will host a virtual informational session for prospective students to learn more about the M.S. in Mass Communications with concentrations in Integrated Communication and Media Leadership. The school also offersr a certificate in Media and Leadership. Join a session at https://vcu.zoom.us/my/robertsongrad.
For more information, contact Jonathan Brown at brownj64@vcu.edu or (804) 525-9425 or visit https://robertson.vcu.edu/academics/graduate/.
Healthy Love Campaign
4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Soteria will hold a healthy love campaign today, Valentine's Day. Stop by the organization's table in the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Soteria will have a poster where you can leave a message and help spread self-love and healthy love.
For more information, contact Harshini Reddy at reddyhm@vcu.edu.
This week
Black History: Learning From the Past and Inspiring the Future
Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Join Hear2Hear for the Virginia Museum of History and Culture's free annual Black history event celebrating moments in Black history. Highlights include a tribute to the Union Colored Troops at the Battle of New Market Heights, a reenactment by the Reformed 23rd Regiment and the premiere of Unchaining Memories with a community conversation hosted by Alicia Atkins. Explore interactive exhibits, including the Richmond Slave Trail and The Victory of Freedom. Light refreshments will be served. Sign language interpreters available. The event will be at the museum, 428 N. Arthur Ashe Blvd.
For more information, contact VMFA Museum at info@vmfa.museum.
Coming up
Got Dumplings Fundraiser
Monday, Feb. 17, 2025 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Dental Club at VCU will host a fundraiser at Got Dumplings, 309 N. Laurel St. Proceeds will be used for future Dental Club events. Show the flyer at the register to show support.
For more information, contact Jumana Meri at merin@vcu.edu.
NEW Date/Time: Black 'n' Black: A Black History Month Mixer
Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025 at noon
VCU's Office of Multicultural Student Affairs will partner with the Black Education Association to host a Black 'n' Black Mixer. This is an opportunity during Black History Month for students, faculty and staff to come together, mingle and make connections. Enjoy catered food. Games will be played and prizes will be raffled off. Attendance at OMSA events is open to all students, faculty and staff. The event will be in the University Student Commons, Suite 215, OMSA office, 907 Floyd Ave. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Jair Lecky at leckyjj@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1936805.
Service-Learning Informational Session
Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025 from noon to 12:45 p.m.
Are you a faculty/staff member who has or wants to teach a service-learning course? Are you a current service-learning course instructor or an academic administrator interested in learning about the changes happening with service-learning at VCU? If yes to any of these, this informational session is for you. Click on the Zoom link at the following URL.
For more information, contact Shanza Isom at isomsa@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/j/83659305841.
Community Engaged Research Series
Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025 from noon to 1 p.m.
VCU's Division of Community Engagement is launching a Community Engaged Research Series. The professional development sessions are designed for faculty and staff looking to enhance their skills in community engagement, focusing on building stronger, more inclusive relationships between institutions and the communities they serve. Participants will explore key strategies and best practices for effective outreach, partnerships and community-engaged research. Emily Zimmerman, Ph.D., will speak virtually about "Building and Maintaining Trust with Community Partners and Collaborators." The Zoom link is https://vcu.zoom.us/j/86306523704 Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Lorielle Bouldin at bouldinln@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeFGTS3pD7Qtn7j2Jg6-MAFi0ADp_evxbuMcKifCMhDCOjaQQ/viewform?usp=sharing.
Having Career Development Conversations Workshop
Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Career development goals are due soon. Have you had your conversation yet? Join VCU Human Resources to learn more about tools to set up consistent career development conversions as ongoing meetings, understand the role of the manager and the employee in career development, explore how career paths fit into the career development plan and career development conversations and practice conversations about career development. Sign up using the Talent@VCU link at the following URL.
For more information, contact Shana Ryman at sryman@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.csod.com/samldefault.aspx?returnUrl=%252fDeepLink%252fProcessRedirect.aspx%253fmodule%253dlodetails%2526lo%253dc6308454-a7bf-41e4-8e05-26ed0fbbc9fa.
Palestinian Student Organization Olive You Hangout
Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025 from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
The Palestinian Student Organization will host an evening of painting and desserts with tea/coffee in the University Student Commons, Alumni Boardroom, 907 Floyd Ave.
For more information, contact Ajnadeen Dahman at dahmanan@vcu.edu.
Feedback Friday
Friday, Feb. 21, 2025 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Join SHIFT Retail Lab (1235 W. Broad St.) for Feedback Friday, a dynamic roundtable at which the voices of the participants shape the future of student entrepreneurship. Bring your curiosity and questions; snacks and beverages will be provided. Register at the following URL.
For more information, contact Cael Parker at parkerc10@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.business.vcu.edu/register/Feedback-Friday-2-21.
A Legacy of Firsts: The William S. Cooper Celebration
Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Join the VCU School of Pharmacy and the Black Student Pharmacy Organization for an evening to celebrate the groundbreaking legacy of William S. Cooper (B.S.’57), the first Black graduate of the School of Pharmacy, recognizing his contributions to both the university and the broader community. The evening will showcase the importance of diversity, perseverance and excellence in pharmacy education and beyond. The event will be at the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia, 122 W. Leigh St. Space is limited. Register by 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14 at the following URL.
For more information, contact Chrissy Bowdren at bowdrence@vcu.edu or visit https://www.support.vcu.edu/event/Cooper.
Rescheduled: Campus Expression and Freedom of Speech With Timothy Zick, J.D. (William & Mary Law School)
Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
This event seeks to participate in the broader national debates and discussions on campus expression and free speech policies. Timothy Zick, J.D., William & Mary Law School, has written on a variety of constitutional issues, with a special focus on the First Amendment, and is the author of many university press books on the subject. Zick will briefly introduce the topic and then answer questions from the audience. He will give his talk in the Academic learning Commons, Room 1100, 1000 Floyd Ave. The event is open to all VCU campus community members, including students and faculty from all departments. The event has been organized by VCU's Department of History's Equity, Inclusion and Diversity Committee.
For more information, contact Antonio Espinoza Ruiz, Ph.D., at gaespinoza@vcu.edu.
Virginia529 – Learn How to Save for Future Higher Education Expenses
Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025 at 1 p.m.
Join VCU HR and Virginia529 for a virtual session to learn a variety of ways to achieve your education savings goals with Invest529. In under an hour, you’ll learn how to save for tuition and other college costs, such as housing, textbooks and more; save for private or religious K-12 education; take advantage of tax-free earnings and the Virginia state tax deduction. Employees who attend this webinar could win prizes. Register in Talent@VCU or at: https://tinyurl.com/3rmzwnsd
For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or visit https://hr.vcu.edu/worklife-at-vcu/employee-events/.
Volunteers Needed for VCU Full-Scale Training Exercise
Wednesday, Mar. 12, 2025 at 7 a.m.
VCU Emergency Management will host a full-scale, multijurisdictional training exercise on the Monroe Park Campus. Volunteers are sought to act as casualties for the duration of the training. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old, must sign a liability waiver and photo release and be willing to have simulated injuries applied to them. Want to volunteer? Email the following address.
For more information, contact Matthew Majid at majidm@vcu.edu or (804) 837-2999.
Ethics of AI - Early Registration Available
Monday, Mar. 24, 2025 at 8 a.m.
Join VCU Continuing and Professional Education for an asynchronous online, noncredit Ethics of AI course designed for faculty, staff, students, researchers, ethics and compliance officers, technology professionals and anyone with an interest in AI. Learn more and register at the following URL. VCU alumni/staff/faculty discounts are available.
For more information, contact Tinsley Jones at ocpe@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1322 or visit https://ocpe.vcu.edu/ai/.
Notices
Camden Whitehead: A Visual Manifesto
An exhibition of the work of School of the Arts Professor Emeritus Camden Whitehead will be on view at the Branch Museum of Architecture and Design, 2501 Monument Ave. The exhibit, on view through February, features watercolors, printmaking, furniture design, travel sketches and furniture design from architect Camden Whitehead.
For more information, contact W. Camden Whitehead at wcwhiteh@vcu.edu or (804) 512-2371 or visit https://branchmuseum.org/camden-whitehead-a-visual-manifesto/.
RecWell OAP February Belay Clinics
Learn belaying, or climbing with a partner, a fundamental skill for all rock climbers. VCU's Outdoor Adventure Program staff will teach current best practices for belaying and answer questions about climbing. The session will be held in the Cary Street Gym, 101 S. Linden St. Registration opens the day before the clinic. February belay clinics will be held Feb. 17 and Feb. 26. See times and registration at the following URL.
For more information, contact Sam Albert at outdoors@vcu.edu or visit https://portal.recwell.vcu.edu/Program/GetProgramDetails?courseId=cd4e0a05-814b-415e-9ef8-43e49fe1f7fb.
Call for Nominations: 2025 Presidential Awards for Community Multicultural Enrichment
Nominations are being accepted for the 2025 Presidential Awards for Community Multicultural Enrichment (PACME). The VCU and VCU Health System communities are invited to nominate a faculty member, staff member, academic or administrative leader or organization, or a student or student organization. Submit nominations by Monday, March 3 using this link: https://forms.gle/z1pGNGMH9UWJqxts5
For more information, contact VCU Inclusive at inclusive@vcu.edu or visit https://president.vcu.edu/nominations/pacme/.
Nonprofit Organization Looking for New Interns: Personalized Exploration for College Success
PECS is a 501(c)3, student-run nonprofit serving Richmond Public Schools students. PECS guides and supports RPS students in their college applications, scholarships and post-graduation planning. Apply to be a mentor by Sunday, Feb. 16 at the following URL.
For more information, contact Adam Vo at voat3@vcu.edu or (714) 878-9906 or visit https://pecsatvcu.com/.
Convergence Labs @VCU - AI+ - Leadership Nominations
The Office of the Provost is advancing the work of Convergence Labs @VCU - AI+ by appointing a leadership team as detailed in the Operating Manual. (See the manual at https://faculty.provost.vcu.edu/media/faculty-provost/ConvergenceLabsVCUOperatingManualDec2024-InternalUse_copyright.docx.pdf) Leads/Co-Leads should be tenured professors or associate professors with significant research experience in the area and demonstrated experience in working on and/or leading collaborative projects. Faculty are encouraged to submit nominations using the form at the following URL.. Self-nominations are welcome. The deadline for nominations is Friday, Feb. 21.
For more information, contact Mangala Subramaniam, Senior Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs, Office of the Provost at lblizzard@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/zkDh8BupTNmeJd9F7.
Summer Camp at the Mary and Frances Youth Center
The Mary and Frances Youth Center offers seven weeks of summer camp for students in the first through ninth grades. Register at https://givepul.se/gdhm8u Visit the registration page for scholarship information. The camps are full day and take place at the center, 120 S. Linden St., across from the Cary Street Gym.
For more information, contact Misti Mueller at muellermr@vcu.edu or visit https://mfyc.vcu.edu/.
Recruiting AAPI and/or First Generation Students for Survey
A VCU research team is conducting a survey about safe spaces at VCU from the perspective of first-generation and AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander) students. Students are being recruited who identify as first-generation and/or AAPI students to participate in a voluntary remote interview (via Zoom). The interview will require 30-60 minutes. Eligible participants will receive a $25 e-gift card. Click on the following URL for a screening survey.
For more information, contact Teresa Doherty at mtdohert@vcu.edu or (804) 828-8658 or visit https://vcubusiness.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_296wkRHc3rb9Axg.
Other resources
VCU Libraries workshops
See a schedule of workshops and classes that teach how to use collections and databases.
LinkedIn Learning @ VCU
Navigate a vast library of online video tutorials to supplement teaching, learning, and professional development.